In the wake of residents' decision to vote down a millage that would have paid for police and fire protection, Leoni Township officials have much work to do.

Before July 1, township board members will have to hack $1 million out of a $2.45 million budget, possibly by cutting the township staff by as much as half and stopping or reducing services, said township Supervisor Kip Ballast.

"It will entail layoffs. The question is where and how many. Anything that can be cut out or not done, we won't be doing it," he said.

A special board meeting to discuss the options is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at the township hall, 913 Fifth St.

Voters on Tuesday defeated a 2.5-mill, five-year tax that would have paid for fire operations and equipment upgrades for the newly combined police and fire department. It was to raise $1 million in its first year.